Nigerian Air Force Aircraft Crash Claims 25 Lives in Ondo

On October 5, 2026, a Nigerian Air Force aircraft, NAF 931 ATR-42, crashed in Igbokoda, Ilaje, Ondo State, resulting in the deaths of five crew members and 20 passengers. Among the deceased was Flight Sergeant Muhammed AI, a dedicated loadmaster with a military career that included participation in UN peacekeeping missions.

He was promoted to Flight Sergeant in September 2025 and was stationed at the 301 Heavy Airlift Group in Ikeja. Other victims included Sergeant Aisekegbe Abu, a married woman with young children, and Sergeant Izibenikien Samuel I., who had communicated about a technical fault with the aircraft shortly before the crash.

Sergeant Charles Alafuka C., also among the deceased, was an engineer from Bayelsa State. The incident has deeply affected the families of the victims and the wider military community.